Insights from a Recent Yacht Survey: The Lagoon 42 Owner's Edition
- Steven Truss MIIMS
- May 16
- 3 min read
As a marine surveyor, there's something particularly satisfying about inspecting a well-maintained vessel. Yesterday's survey of a 2018 Lagoon 42 Owner's Edition catamaran in Aktio Marina, Preveza, Greece was a prime example of this satisfaction. The vessel "2BFREE" demonstrated how proper maintenance and thoughtful upgrades can extend a boat's longevity and enhance its capabilities for blue water sailing.
The Vessel at a Glance
The Lagoon 42 is a 13.22-meter cruising catamaran known for its blend of performance, comfort, and space. With a beam of 7.70 meters and a shallow draft of 1.25 meters, it's designed for both coastal cruising and offshore passages. This particular model featured a three-cabin owner's layout with three heads, providing comfortable accommodations for extended live-aboard use.
Hull and Structural Integrity
One of the most crucial aspects of any survey is assessing the vessel's structural integrity. The twin hulls showed no signs of delamination when percussion tested, and moisture meter readings were within acceptable parameters. The mini keels and topsides were in excellent condition with no evidence of grounding damage or significant repairs. These findings speak to both the quality of Lagoon's construction methods and the current owner's diligent maintenance.
Mechanical Systems
The vessel's twin Yanmar 4JH57 diesel engines (57hp each) performed admirably during sea trials, with balanced hour readings (1570 for port, 1609 for starboard) suggesting even usage. The sail drives operated smoothly with no unusual noises or oil leakage. During our inspection, I noted that the saildrive seals were approaching seven years of age - near their recommended replacement interval. While not an immediate concern, I recommended scheduling replacement within 6-12 months as preventative maintenance.
Electrical Excellence
What particularly impressed me was the comprehensive electrical system upgrade. The vessel featured:
Four 300W solar panels (1200W total) with BlueSolar MPPT charge controllers
A Victron Quattro 5000 inverter with Color Controller
Four 200Ah LifePo4 batteries
Fischer Panda 8000i generator (462 hours)
Dual alternators with Laderbooster controllers
Remote monitoring capabilities via mobile app
This setup provides remarkable energy independence for extended cruising, reducing generator runtime and dependence on shore power. The owner demonstrated the remote monitoring system, which allows checking battery conditions and system status from anywhere with internet connectivity - a feature that provides both convenience and peace of mind.
Navigation and Electronics
The B&G navigation suite was fully operational, including autopilot, AIS transceiver, VHF radio, and wind instruments. All displays showed crisp, readable information with appropriate backlight functionality. The integration between components worked seamlessly, providing a cohesive navigation experience with redundancy in critical functions.
Self-Sufficiency Features
Beyond the electrical system, other notable upgrades enhanced the vessel's self-sufficiency:
An Aquatec watermaker with 150 liters/hour capacity
5kg washing machine in the forward starboard head
Comprehensive ground tackle system with a Quick electric windlass and 35kg Ultra Marine anchor
These additions transform a production catamaran into a capable blue water cruiser ready for extended passages away from marina amenities.
Minor Recommendations
Even well-maintained vessels have areas for improvement. My report included five recommendations:
Schedule replacement of saildrive seals within 6-12 months
Properly mount the portable fire extinguishers to bulkheads
Install automatic fire suppression systems in engine compartments
Cap off an old disconnected gas connection under the galley sink
Secure several mooring cleats showing slight movement
None of these items compromise the vessel's current seaworthiness, but addressing them would enhance safety and prevent potential issues.
Reflections on Single Ownership
This Lagoon 42 has had only one owner since new, which typically bodes well for a vessel's condition. Single ownership often means consistent maintenance practices, thorough knowledge of all systems, and a personal investment in preserving the boat's value. This was certainly evident throughout my inspection.
Conclusion
The 2018 Lagoon 42 "2BFREE" represents what I consider an exemplary pre-owned catamaran. Its overall condition reflects conscientious ownership and appropriate care consistent with manufacturer recommendations. The thoughtful upgrades enhance its capabilities for extended cruising while preserving the original design integrity.
For potential catamaran buyers, this vessel serves as an excellent benchmark. It demonstrates that with proper maintenance and sensible upgrades, a production catamaran can be transformed into a capable offshore vessel ready for adventures far beyond coastal waters.
Steven Truss is a qualified marine surveyor (MIIMS) based in Greece, specializing in pre-purchase surveys and condition reports for sailing vessels.
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